Sandpoint (Bonner County)

Thick green forests, miles of singletrack, and a prime location on the shore of Lake Pend d’Oreille make northern Idaho’s Sandpoint worth the trek. Think of it as the quieter, slower-paced neighbor to Coeur d’Alene. Despite being home to fewer than 7,500 residents, Sandpoint’s eclectic dining scene could keep you busy for weeks. Taqueria-style Mexican at Joel’s, super fresh sushi at Thai Nigiri, and the famous key lime pie at Baxters on Cedar—a popular new American joint—are just a few of the spots to hit up. For drinks, check out the taproom at Laughing Dog Brewing, which serves 10+ locally brewed, award-winning beers. And the Pend d’Oreille Winery has a beautiful but relaxed tasting room with live music on Friday nights.

You’ll want to save some energy to play at Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho’s largest ski resort. It’s open all year, and in the warm months you can play the 9-hole disc golf course, head out on a geo-caching treasure hunt, go mountain biking and hiking, or try your hand at huckleberry picking (late July to late August). There’s a ton of hotels to choose from in town, including several lakefront options. The K2 Inn is a great budget choice just a couple of blocks from the water. For something more Wild West, check out the Western Pleasure Guest Ranch: 16 miles from town, all-inclusive summer packages with cabin-style lodging, daily horseback rides, gourmet meals, and evening campfires.